When you think of Canadian winters you might think of freezing cold temperatures that last about six months. If you do think of this, you’re right. The next question is: What is there to do in downtown Toronto in the winter time?
Canadian winters are quite long and last about 4-5 months. Temperatures can reach -20 degrees and makes you want to hibernate until spring comes again.
But, don’t hibernate too soon! There are still many exciting things to do in Toronto, even if the weather is below freezing. Here are some of the top things to do in Toronto in the winter time, when faced with cold weather.
Overview:
- Skating in Toronto
- Stackt Markets Wine Yurt
- Dineen Coffee Co.
- One of a Kind Show
- Distillery District Christmas Market
- Saint Lawrence Market
- Walk Through High Park
Skating in Toronto
Top places to go skating in Toronto:
- Harbourfront Centre Natrel Rink: (Free) Right by Lake Ontario and on weekends there is a DJ and free hot chocolate. It is truly a great atmosphere and lots of fun.
- Nathan Philip Square: (Free) Sometimes this one can get quite busy, but that is because it is one of the most popular skating rinks. It features the classic large Toronto light up sign making for the perfect photo spot when visiting Toronto. It is also slightly on the smaller, but location wise it is the easiest to get to.
- Ontario Place: (Cost to enter) This skating rink is located near the Lake Ontario shoreline in the center of the Commons inside Ontario Place. You will find skate rentals, sharpening facilities, washrooms close by, and light food and beverage options here.
- The Bentway Skating Trail: (Cost to enter) This skating trail is located underneath the Gardiner Expressway, a major road in Downtown Toronto. There is skate rentals, helmet rentals, and skate sharpening here. There is also a Corona Après Patio to warm up for a nice hot drink after skating.
My personal favorite in the winter – ice skating! What better way to spend winter weather. Skating is also great because it’s a form of exercise so you can count it as your daily workout too.
Please be sure to check the websites of all of these skating rinks as they may be weather dependant or some may be closed due to COVID-19.
Stackt Market
Things to do at Stack Market:
- Holiday Hills Market: You can grab all sorts of unique Christmas gifts from local Toronto vendors.
- Coffee shops & food
- A cozy Wine Yurt
- Comedy Show on select days – make sure to check the website because the comedy show is only on sometimes, as the events at Stackt Market are always changing.
Every year Stackt Market puts on a Christmas pop-up shop called Holiday Hills. You can find the most unique hand made gifts here and it is the best way to shop local in Toronto.
If you want to take a break from shopping, Stackt Market also has a brewery, coffee shops, and cozy campfires and chairs to take in the trendy atmosphere of Toronto and warm up from the winter weather.
On top of this, Stackt Market is home to Toronto’s very first wine yurt. It is called the Casa Campo Wine Yurt. Here, you can buy wine by the bottle or enjoy wine by the glass with some friends. It is quite small inside so it makes for the coziest way to warm up when shopping around at Stackt Market’s holiday pop-up shops.
This year Stackt Market may look a little different. So, be sure to check the website out before going in case there are closures.
Dineen Coffee Co.
Dineen Coffee Co. is one of the best coffee shops in Toronto and also the most beautiful interior. It almost feels like you’re in Europe with it’s historical style interior. It has quite strong coffee but the taste is amazing, if you’re really into quality coffee. There are also lattes, baked goods, and breakfast and lunch sandwiches. Their iced americano is my personal favorite!
In the summer Dineen Coffee Co. has a beautiful patio outside as well. While, in the winter time it makes for a classic Toronto coffee spot – to spend time inside from the comfort of a relaxing yet exciting atmosphere.
Comedy Show
Some small and local comedy shows include:
- Stackt Market Comedy Show – Be sure to check the website because their events are always changing.
- Comedy Bar
Comedy shows are always a time and there are so many to choose from in downtown Toronto. Just be sure not to sit in the front, unless you want to get picked on. I mean sometimes it’s more fun!
Distillery District Christmas Market
What to expect at the Distillery District Christmas Market:
- Mini pop-up christmas shops where you can find local and handmade gifts.
- A giant Christmas tree which makes for a great photo spot!
- A ferris wheel
- Hot chocolate & snack stands (the hot chocolate is amazing)
- Alcoholic beverage stands where you can enjoy a spiked apple cider beside some warm toasty heaters.
The Distillery District Christmas Market is a classic! Every year the Distillery District in Toronto lights up and decorates for the holiday season. It is very festive.
The Distillery Christmas market is also one of the most popular photo spots – right in front of the giant Christmas tree. So be warned, it does get very busy. Although, this year it will be slightly different because of COVID-19. There most likely will not be as many things going on so be sure to check out the website before you plan on going.
One of a Kind Show
Another great place to shop local and get your Christmas shopping done all in one place. There are various vendors selling Christmas themed items, handmade soaps, jewelry, and plenty of desserts and baked goods.
Due to COVID-19 they have an online version you can visit here. You can shop local from the comfort of your own home, so it’s a win win. There are also many unique and hand made gifts you can find on the website.
Saint Lawrence Market
What to expect at the Saint Lawrence Market:
- A farmers market with fresh fruits & vegetables
- Cheap eats that are absolutely delicious
- Restaurants nearby and around the St. Lawrence Market
- Lots and lots of good coffee options. You can pick up quality freshly brewed coffee here from inside St. Lawrence Market and even pick up some fresh coffee beans to brew a cup at home. It is nice because you get to shop local and the coffee tastes great, freshly ground in a pour over coffee machine!
Walk Through High Park
High Park in the winter time:
- Skating at Grenadier Pond – before you do so make sure the flag is yellow and it is safe to do so.
- The public skating rink near the tennis course – there is public skating hours.
- Winter photography
This Toronto destination is a colder one but nonetheless, it is a rewarding one. Spending time in nature can be very rewarding to your mental health and overall wellbeing. You can grab a hot chocolate or coffee and enjoy the fresh air, nature, and beautiful snowfalls!
If you enjoyed this blog post be sure to save it for later and visit my other related travel posts. I hope you get inspired to get outside and explore Toronto, even if it means bundling up for the cold winter weather.
